A: When I train riders to compete in a hunter under saddle class, I try to ensure that they know what they are truly being judged on; so many people don’t understand what judges are actually looking for.
Being dressed, groomed, and turned out perfectly is important—horse and rider.
Your horse should shine and you should look clean and polished (wrinkle-free show shirt, sparkling boots, etc.). Slide your number to the side toward the booth so it is visible to the judge. And make sure (for pony riders) there are no bows covering it, and that it’s not flipped the wrong way.
While you ride, try to be relaxed and flat your horse in a way that makes him appear soft and not tense—that’s how the judge can see your horse at his best! It’s also important to get yourself alone and away from the pack, and in front of the judge as much as possible.
Another thing: know the pluses and minuses of your own animal. Make sure to show off your horse’s skills and hide their negatives when you can. If your horse has a great canter, look for opportunities to highlight it; if she has extra knee action at the trot, try to camouflage that gait where you can. In other words, know your horse!
On the other hand, there are also some things to avoid in the under saddle. Don’t be overly handsy or hold a crop obnoxiously if you carry one. It just distracts your horse (and the judge). Being seen is key, so avoid staying on the rail and barely showing yourself to the judge—it’s a waste of time.
Don’t go too slow or too fast, and maintain proper etiquette. For example, never assume you are the winner, or think of the under saddle as a ‘give-me’ class, even if you’re riding a great-moving horse. The view can be different from the judge’s stand!
Additionally, don’t talk to people outside the ring while the class is going on (that seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised what we see as judges!). Finally, be realistic about your chances. As a mom, I won’t make my kid’s horse do the under saddle if it’s a bad mover unless there are barely any riders in it.
Oh, and one last ‘do’… have fun and smile!
Dana Hart-Callanan is a successful hunter, jumper and equitation coach, an ‘R’ judge, and a sales broker. In this column, she answers common questions about A-level sport. Send your questions to news@horsenetwork.com for consideration in a future column.